In partnership with UC Davis, the Farm and Climate Program has launched a demonstration project to assess the greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts of using biochar as a soil amendment both alone and in combination with compost. Funded by the Healthy Soils Program (HSP) of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, this 3- year project encompasses 16 research plots in a soon-to-be established 5-acre olive orchard at The Maples Farm. Researchers will collect data on GHG emissions, soil organic matter, microbial diversity, and crop productivity.
In addition to the biochar demonstration project, the Farm and Climate Program collects ecological data to measure the impacts of CLBL’s agricultural operations and conservation practices. We are measuring changes in soil organic carbon, vegetation, native pollinators, and wildlife through regular soil testing, vegetation surveys, bird and bee counts, and wildlife camera traps.
For more information, please email info@landbasedlearning.org
